Supervisory Agriculturist (Lab Director)

Summary Directs S&T Miami laboratory located in Miami, Florida. This facility is a medium sized laboratory charged with advancing the safeguarding mission of APHIS, PPQ and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as well as supporting trade and AQI regulatory decision-making and operations by adapting and developing treatments, inspection technology, and survey methods. Primary activities of the laboratory are performed in the context of complex, multi-phased projects extending months/years. Responsibilities The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Oversees the full scope of the primary proposed activities of the ST Treatment and Inspection Methods Laboratory, which includes methods development/applied research; technology transfer; development of scientific expertise. Evaluates laboratory resource needs, submits formal budget and staffing proposals to the ST Associate Deputy Administrator and is accountable for properly administering budget allocations. Manages the formal structure of the laboratory, with authority to design new and restructure existing positions. Assesses and optimizes laboratory work-processes and participates in initiatives to improve administrative processes of the organization. Designates project leaders and applies the organization's system of assigning work to staff. Provides linkage among the research community and implementation institutions to promote the use of pest management technologies. Responsible for the formulation and achievement of short- and long-range goals concerning laboratory operations with particular focus on maximizing the quality of research efforts. Develops supplemental measurements systems and ensures that project managers develop and effectively utilize measurement tools tailored to individual projects. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. BASIC REQUIREMENT: Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. OR Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. FOR THE GS-13 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-12 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Knowledge and understanding of concepts, principles, practices, standards, and methods of science related to plant health or agriculture. Experience coordinating and managing program activities leading to new methods, protocols, or practices used for plant pest rearing, detection, diagnosis, control, management, exclusion, or eradication. Experience managing staff in developing, monitoring, and executing projects. Experience communicating technical or scientific information orally and in writing to industry representatives, other state/federal government agencies and cooperators. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. FOR THE GS-14 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-13 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates: Experience in applying advanced theories, concepts, principles, practices, standards, and methods of science related to plant health or agriculture. Experience providing leadership, coordination, and direction, including strategic and operational planning, for a scientific or agricultural program. Experience directing, overseeing and evaluating the day-to-day activities of scientific and technical staff from diverse disciplines. Experience communicating technical and scientific information effectively and tactfully, orally and in writing, using a diversity of strategies, tactics and means, to a diverse audience, including senior level managers, policy and operational decision-makers, federal and industry partners, stakeholders, and/or customers regarding scientific issues. Note: There is no education substitution for this grade level. TRANSCRIPTS are required if: This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified. You are qualifying for the position based on education. You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education. This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education Please see above for education qualification requirement information. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. First time hires to the federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range for the grade selected. Worksite Information: This position may be eligible to telework up to four days per week, based upon the duties of the position. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by agency policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements. Additional information regarding ad hoc, occasional, or reoccurring telework may be obtained at a later time from the hiring manager or program during the hiring process.